Overview & Reviews

Why are Honda vehicles so highly regarded by American drivers? Certainly, their excellent reputation for reliability and quality is a major factor. But it also has to do with the overall driving and owning experience. Read any Honda review and you'll likely notice common themes such as thoughtful design, a friendly nature, better-than-average fuel economy and attention to safety.

Japan-based Honda Motor Company was founded in 1948 by Soichiro Honda. The company got its start making motorbikes. Japan had been rendered cash poor and fuel-starved after World War II, and its citizens were hurting for an inexpensive, fuel-efficient mode of transportation. Honda's first motorcycles mated engines with bicycles to create a motorbike that was cheap to make and operate.

Honda's bikes quickly evolved into vehicles far more sophisticated than small engines stuck into bicycle frames. The manufacturer's 1949 D-Type could reach speeds of up to 50 mph, and offered front and rear suspension. The 1950s saw the launch of the successful Juno scooter, built to steal market share from the Vespa knockoffs that were popular in Japan at that time. In the latter part of that decade, Honda introduced the ultra-successful C100 Super Cub. The motorbike was remarkably easy to operate and featured a crossbar-free frame that made it popular with women. It went on to become the first Honda motorbike sold in the U.S. via then-new American Honda Co. in 1959.

By the early 1960s, Honda had built its first automobiles for the Japanese home market and entered Formula One racing. But it wasn't until 1970 that it exported its first car, the diminutive N600, to the U.S. The automaker initially had a hard time sparking interest among American buyers, but that all changed in 1973 with the introduction of the Civic. The car was larger than Honda's previous models even though it was still very petite compared to compact American cars. The Civic's high fuel efficiency (an important selling point given that decade's energy crisis) and affordability made it Honda's first American success story. By 1976, the Civic had been joined by the Accord, which quickly became a favorite with U.S. consumers as well.

By the 1980s, Honda's success and its reputation as a maker of well-built reliable cars and motorcycles continued to grow. It began building Accords in the U.S. in 1982 and by 1989 had earned the distinction of making America's most popular car. This was also the decade in which Honda created the Acura brand as a way to sell more upscale and luxurious vehicles. Throughout this decade and into the 1990s, the Civic and Accord were huge sellers and considered class benchmarks. Also during this time, Honda continued to innovate through such technologies as variable valve timing, aluminum body construction and improved safety features.

Today, Honda's lineup runs the gamut. Included are fuel-sipping hybrids, a spacious minivan, reliable family sedans, practical SUVs and even a pickup. Although the latest Civic and Accord aren't quite the benchmarks they once were for their respective classes, Honda's brand as a whole continues to be one of the most well respected in the industry, with millions of loyal and satisfied customers.

User Reviews:

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  Best Safest Suv Made Hands Down - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By Pilot king - September 29 - 10:06 pm

  I have Had my Pilot for almost three years now and I still love getting into it every day. I had a Toyota Rav-4 before. The Pilot is the most comfortable, safest, reliable vehicle I have ever driven. I drive 350 miles round trip to my beach house and after 7 knee operations this is the only vehicle that can get me there pain free. If you read a bad review about the Honda Pilot it was probably a rare lemon which can happen with any vehicle.

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  Initial Impressions - 2004 Honda Element
  By Braden - September 29 - 9:37 pm

  Just bought a used, but highly cared for 04 Element EX. Only driven it about 400 miles, but overall I love it. Only two things I wish it had 1) Computer with average MPH, MPG, and miles until out of gas. 2) Five speed automatic like the 07 & 08 models.

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  Great Value. Legendary Honda Reliability - 2008 Honda Pilot
  By RiskPro - September 29 - 9:28 pm

  This is a fantastic SUV for the average middle class family that wants virtually no service issues or maintenance requirements. Not to mention the 4wd which is good for those times us citi-dwellers need some help in the mud or snow and the 2nd and 3rd row seats fold away.

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  Design Flaws - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Virginia - September 29 - 7:26 pm

  This car is beautiful on the outside but it leaves a lot to be desired once you take it on the road. The road noise is extremely load and when you turn up the radio to drown out the noise it makes it impossible to carry on a conversation. The ground clearance of the car is so low that it constantly scrapes underneath the car when going up inclines such as your own drive way. Honda will not and cannot do anything to eliminate these problems. Honda is not receptive to feedback, so my only option is to purchase another vehicle other than a Honda. I did give Honda a try based on their reputation, but that was in my case a mistake. I will never buy another Honda automobile again.

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  dont buy until they fix this massage chair - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By justin - September 29 - 5:51 pm

  We very much like the new design and new features but the new cvt is the problem, hopes that they fill fix it quickly. Also they hiked the price.

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  Problems with Hybrid - 2006 Honda Accord
  By Wyatt - September 29 - 9:03 am

  I thought the bugs were out of this car when I purchased it. I was wrong. In cold weather, around 20 degrees, or less, it runs rough with a power loss and thats not acceptable for a $30,000 vehicle. I only have 3000 miles on the car. Honda replaced a "module" and the problem is still there. This tells me Honda does not know what to do. In warmer temperatures, it runs fine. Id love to hear from other Accord Hybrid owners who have this problem, and what you did to solve it. I need help. These cars are rare and I see none on the road and no one to talk to. Id like to give some expensive, free advice to anyone considering this Hybrid. Wait. There are problems. Thank You, Wyatt

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  Handy Runabout - 2016 Honda Fit
  By M Woods - September 29 - 4:06 am

  Some positives: It has a right side blind spot camera! It has excellent visibility. This particular trim level has keyless entry and push button start which we find quite desirable. It has a rear view camera. Negatives: Although the braking is very good, the rear brakes are not disk type. (It does have some sort of ABS.) It has small car ride and typical Honda road noise, but they are not bad, better than some earlier versions of various Honda models.

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  Versatile - 2004 Honda Element
  By Kevins Element - September 29 - 1:00 am

  Verasatility is the main benefit to buying a Honda Element. The interior is roomy and functional. And you can do so much. Haul people, haul stuff, haul people and stuff. An amazing array of interior configurations. Outwardly, the car has a cool retro look. Its well made. Affordably priced. And amazing;y versatile. Did I say that already?

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  Great Car - 2008 Honda Fit
  By perseverance8 - September 29 - 12:20 am

  I have had my little fit for about three weeks now and am lovin it, it is a great little car for a small family, the comfort is very good as I am 6 2" and I fit quite comfortably, the power from the 1.5L VTEC is quite adiquite, and the maual shift is silky smooth, I would have liked to have seen more durable carpeting but the quailty is still superb (remember this is a Honda), the first time I filled up I calculated right at 37 MPG 50/50 city/hwy driving which im very happy about. I think honda has put together a winning package that will put a smile on your face whenever you take it for a spin.

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  My Hybrid - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Denny - September 28 - 10:43 am

  Traded a Buick Lucerne during the 4 dollar gas crisis last summer. Even though it is now $2.50 it was still worth it. The car delivers the promised mileage plus if you drive it right. Accelerate slowly, stay at 70 or below and you will get 45-50mpg. On a recent trip with a tail wind and flat road we got 53mpg. On a recent 1,500 mile drive I was just as comfortable in the Civic as I would have been in the Lucerne